Rafael Devers is set to make his debut at first base for the San Francisco Giants on Tuesday night against the Atlanta Braves. This move marks a big shift in Devers’ career and puts a spotlight on a season that’s been, well, pretty wild for him. He’s gone from being the Boston Red Sox’s franchise third baseman to stepping into something totally new with the Giants.
The story behind this change? It’s a mix of team decisions, trades, and some communication issues. All of it led to this career-defining moment for the young star.
The Rocky Road in Boston: How It All Began
Devers started the 2023 season as Boston’s third baseman, a spot he’d really settled into over the years. Both he and the Red Sox said they wanted him to stay there, so it seemed like his job was safe.
But then the Red Sox made a surprising offseason move.
The Alex Bregman Factor
They signed Alex Bregman, a veteran third baseman known for his leadership and steady glove. At first, people thought Bregman might play second base, but the move immediately made Devers’ future at third look shaky.
Devers didn’t hide his feelings during spring training—he wanted to stay at third. Not long after, the Red Sox started trying him out as a designated hitter, which made it clear they were thinking about a change.
Triston Casas’ Injury Changes the Game
Things got even more complicated when first baseman Triston Casas went down with a season-ending injury. Suddenly, the Red Sox had a big hole at first base.
They started to imagine Devers moving over, letting Masataka Yoshida take the DH spot. But reports said the team didn’t communicate well with Devers about this switch. That lack of clarity and the frustration it caused set the stage for an even bigger move.
A New Chapter: Devers Joins the San Francisco Giants
The Red Sox, unable to smooth things over and facing the trade deadline, decided to trade Devers to the San Francisco Giants. This gave Devers a fresh start and a chance to redefine his career.
The Giants, stuck in a six-game losing streak, have been searching for anything to kickstart their season.
Adapting to Life at First Base
Since landing in San Francisco, Devers has worked hard to learn first base—a spot he hasn’t played much in his pro career. Giants manager Bob Melvin praised Devers for his effort and said he believes Devers can handle the change.
Melvin pointed out that Devers had the final say on when he’d make his debut at first, showing the team trusts him to know when he’s ready.
Devers’ Performance: A Mixed Bag
There’s been a lot of buzz about this move, but Devers’ offense with the Giants hasn’t exactly wowed anyone yet. He’s hit just .219 with a .333 on-base and .333 slugging percentage since joining the team.
Some thought his struggles at the plate might delay his move to first, but the Giants are moving forward anyway. For Devers, Tuesday night is a shot to quiet critics and help the Giants when they really need it.
What This Means for the Giants
Putting Devers at first base shows the Giants aren’t afraid to shake things up, even with their season on the ropes. With a six-game skid and an offense that’s sputtering, they need something—anything—to change.
If Devers can settle in at first and get his bat going again, he might just be the spark the Giants are looking for.
Looking Ahead: A Career in Flux
Rafael Devers’ journey from Boston’s cornerstone third baseman to San Francisco’s experimental first baseman really shows how unpredictable pro sports can be. His debut at first base feels like a fresh start.
It’s not just a new chapter for him—there’s a sense the Giants are searching for answers, too. Will Devers thrive in this new spot, or will he run into more bumps along the way?
One thing’s for sure: everyone’s watching as Devers hits the field in Atlanta. It’s the start of something fascinating, and honestly, who knows what’s next?
Here is the source article for this story: Rafael Devers starting at first base for Giants
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